“I’ll stay for the funeral,” I replied, ignoring the latter half of his statement. Because hell if I could promise to follow through with that. “Anything else?”
“We’ll need to review the pack records,” he said. “But that can wait until you’re ready to accept your role.”
“Right.” I couldn’t decide if I wanted to punch him or hug him. The former because the old man clearly wasn’t hearing me. And the latter because I craved the comfort.
Which only irritated me more.
I hadn’t lived the lone-wolf life for over a decade just to succumb so easily.
I didn’t need him or his soothing touch. I just needed my wolf.
Fuck, I needed torun.
With a nod and a muttered “Thanks for the drink,” I left.
If he had any more to say to me, it could wait.
My animal desired freedom.
And I had every intention of giving it to him.
I shifted before the last of my clothes hit the ground, my paws already beating over the earth and taking me straight into the trees. I no longer felt a damn thing. Not the pain ripping down my arm from my injury. Not the agony my father stirred inside me with his words. Not the torment I felt from my brother’s untimely death. Nor the anger of his brutal murder.
Just air.
Forest.
Rain.
And female.
My nose twitched, my wolf hungry for that delicate scent.
Where are you, Makayla?I wondered, picking up the subtle traces of her perfume.Where did you run off to, little wolf?
I took off along her fragrant path, my mother’s words taunting me every step of the way.
“Looks like he’ll be chasing her after all.”
Just for a harmless run, Mom,I thought at her, thankful she couldn’t actually hear me.
However, I knew all I’d hear in return was her tinkling laugh followed by a,Didn’t even last an hour, let alone a week.
Makayla
Freedom.
Fresh air.
Familiar scents.
My wolf frolicked through the forest and along the banks of the lake, melting all my stress away. This place felt like home, yet brand new at the same time. A conundrum that enthralled me, encouraging me to explore every corner of the Silver Lake Pack lands.
I didn’t think about anything, just let my wolf’s instincts drive me. Eventually, I slowed to a more leisurely pace and basked in the warmth of the sun’s rays filtering in between the bare branches from high above.
Beautiful, I thought, almost purring with happiness.
Voices floated to my ears, drawing me toward a group of shifters in human form lounging around the lake. I remained hidden in the forest, not wanting to be seen.
